Privilege can be a tricky concept as it can often make individuals feel uncomfortable or feel as if they have to defend themselves. The privileges we carry can sometimes be intertwined with our identity such as gender, race, sexuality, etc. Many seem to think that by being asked to address their privilege, they are being shamed or being called “bad.” However, I would argue that the goal behind bringing up conversations about privilege is simply to encourage individuals to think critically. The privileges we have can impact our outlook on the world, and therefore, we must recognize how our privileges affect our views.
As we approach the presidential election, checking your privilege is more important than ever. For many, elections bring a sense of urgency. The older I’ve gotten the more I realized that this sense of urgency can be greater for those with less privilege because the power of U.S. leadership can greatly affect their survivorship. Right now, more than ever, the wellbeing and safety of many minority communities are at risk. This is why we must be considering how our actions during this election will affect these individuals. It is natural to revert to our own experiences when taking action; however, I encourage you to think beyond yourself this election.
As you set upon deciding who you are going to vote for, both within your local community and for president, I urge you to think about who your vote is representing. It can be difficult to find a candidate that aligns exactly with your beliefs and morals, but I encourage you to find the one that will give a voice to the underprivileged. Write down your morals, not necessarily political views, but a set of guidelines you want to live by. Some examples could be: treat everyone with respect, make space for all individuals, and make your actions have a positive impact. Think about the presence of both presidential campaigns and about which ticket aligns most with your morals. If your political views are contradicting your morals, perhaps it is time to rethink where you stand and why. And, as you think about your moral and political views, consider how your privileges affect these standpoints. It’s easy to forget about issues that don’t affect us. Therefore, it is important to think critically and stay informed.
